Municipalities hold accountability for social concerns, according to the VdK association. - Local Authorities' Social Responsibility is Recognized by the VdK Association
In the run-up to the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for September 14 in North Rhine-Westphalia, the social welfare association VdK has made an appeal to cities and municipalities across Germany. The association, known for its advocacy for social justice and fair living conditions, has urged these entities to uphold their responsibility for ensuring fair living conditions, particularly in times of tight budgets.
Thomas Zander, board spokesman of VdK, made this appeal in Düsseldorf, highlighting the significant impact municipal politics has on the daily lives of millions of people. The municipal level of government is responsible for a wide range of services that significantly impact local life, including decisions regarding care, public transport, health, and affordable housing.
VdK's appeal focuses on elderly people, those in need of care, people with disabilities, and low-income households. The association demands clear social prioritization from cities and municipalities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive social services for the elderly and disabled, affordable and accessible housing, improved healthcare and nursing care infrastructure, strengthening local social support systems, ensuring fair public transportation and mobility options, and fighting poverty and social exclusion in municipalities.
However, a recent search did not yield specific information about the exact social priorities called for by VdK in the upcoming municipal elections for ensuring fair living conditions in cities and municipalities across Germany. For the up-to-date and detailed social priorities VdK demands for the elections, it would be necessary to consult VdK’s official publications or statements relevant to the municipal election period currently under discussion.
It is worth noting that the municipal elections occur every five years in all 396 cities and municipalities and 31 districts in North Rhine-Westphalia. City and municipal councils, county councils, mayors, and councilors will be elected in these elections. The municipalities often cite responsibilities of the federal or state governments, according to VdK, but the association stresses the importance of local accountability and action in creating fair living conditions.
The upcoming municipal elections in North Rhine-Westphalia are scheduled to take place in less than five weeks, underscoring the urgency of VdK's appeal. As the elections approach, it will be interesting to see how cities and municipalities respond to VdK's call for fair living conditions and prioritization of social needs.
VdK's demand for cities and municipalities across Germany in the upcoming elections focuses on policies and legislation that ensure community aid, vocational training, and fair living conditions for elderly people, those in need of care, people with disabilities, and low-income households. In this election period, the association stresses the crucial role of municipal politics in fighting poverty, social exclusion, and enhancing public services such as affordable housing, care, public transport, health, and nursing care infrastructure. However, the specific social priorities called for by VdK remain to be seen, as up-to-date and detailed information can be found in VdK's official publications or statements relevant to the municipal election period under discussion.
